In this episode, Anna Stokke has an engaging conversation Dr. Alex Kontorovich, a math professor at Rutgers University with a strong passion for math outreach. They explore why practice in math is often undervalued compared to disciplines like music or sports. They also discuss Math Corps, which is a summer math program for kids that combines evidence-based learning strategies with high expectations. Alex recently founded a Math Corps chapter in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The episode wraps up with a lively discussion about A Mathematician's Lament by Paul Lockhart, sparked by a comment from a listener. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a mathematician, or simply someone interested in education, this episode has something for you.
This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:02:54] The value of math practice
[00:08:11] Engaging in math outreach
[00:11:44] Rutgers Math Corps: Structure and curriculum
[00:21:41] When research confirms what experience already knew
[00:24:05] Why times tables fluency matters
[00:30:07] Science of learning techniques in Math Corps
[00:35:42] Using hand gestures and building classroom culture
[00:40:01] Gamification
[00:42:23] Why well-meaning schools still produce poor results
[00:49:37] Discussion on A Mathematician's Lament
[01:16:03] Conclusion and final thoughts
RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
How we learn: Naïve, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0
Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jawpr-181e0c3
Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1
Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-52-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-52-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
